Mayer Upends Ferrer in Hamburg to Win 1st Career Title
Leonardo Mayer of Argentina picked up his first career ATP World Tour title on Sunday as he upset top-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer 6-7(3), 6-1, 7-6(4) on Sunday in the bet-at-home Open final in Hamburg, Germany.
The 27-year old Argentinean came back from a set down to upend the favorite Ferrer, showing good composure in the two hour and 20 minute victory.
“I can’t believe it,” said Mayer, who entered Sunday’s final ranked 46th in the world. “I was able to do it against Ferrer, who is one of the best players on this surface. I’m really happy and it still hasn’t sunk in that I won.”
After dropping the opening frame in a tiebreaker, Mayer rebounded nicely and cruised to a 6-1 victory in the second set. He then had an opportunity to close out the match while serving at 5-4 in the third set tiebreaker, but was broken yet again by Ferrer who pushed it to 30-30.
Mayer quickly recovered and notched the next two points to finish off Ferrer and pick up his first career title, the fourth player on the tour this season to notch his first career victory.
“At the start of the match, I was a little tense,” said Mayer. “But I relaxed and started to play better. He also made some mistakes that got me back into the match. I tried to enjoy it and that’s why I won, I think.”
The victory for Mayer comes on the heels of his fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon as the Argentinean is enjoying the best year of his career. He is the lowest-ranked player to win an ATP World Tour 500 title since 54th ranked Radek Stepanek won the Citi Open back in 2011.
As for Ferrer, the 32-year old fell short of winning his second title of the season. His career record in title matches drops to 21-23.
“He was better in the match,” said Ferrer. “I think I was a little nervous in the important moments and he played more aggressive than me and nothing else.”
